(The Seven Lucky Gods of
Japan)
A group of seven
Japanese gods, all of whom are associated with
happiness and
good fortune:
Benten,
Bishamon,
Daikoku,
Ebisu,
Fukurokuju,
Hotei, and
Jurojin. The seven are drawn from various sources but have been grouped together from at least the 16th century.
The Shichifukujin are a favorite theme of Japanese
folk song and are frequently represented in painting and theatre, both singly and as a group. The seven are often shown on their
treasure ship (Takarabune) together with various
magical implements, such as a hat of invisibility, rolls of brocade, an inexhaustible purse, keys to the
divine treasure-house, cloves,
scrolls or books, a lucky rain hat, or a robe of feathers.
Each of the seven gods are used by various business owners and shopkeepers for
good luck, depending on what the business is: for instance, accountants would want Jurojin to favor them, a doctor would ask Bishamon for help, etc.